Volkswagen rolls out new GTI, GTD at Geneva Motor Show

The new Volkswagen Golf GTI will arrive in Canada in 2014 as a 2015 model.

Derek McNaughton, Postmedia News

Volkswagen Golf GTD, at the Geneva Motor Show on March 5, 2013.

Derek McNaughton, Postmedia News

The Volkswagen Golf Concept R-Line wagon is displayed at Geneva.

Derek McNaughton, Postmedia News

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Derek McNaughton, Postmedia News | March 5, 2013

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Volkswagen, which is already selling the new MK VII Golf in Europe, hatched more Golf variants in Geneva — cars that will arrive in Canada in spring 2014 as 2015 model-year cars.

First up was the popular GTI model that gets, for the first time, two power options from a 2.0-litre in-line four cylinder: 220 horsepower and 258 lb.-ft. of torque in the regular GTI, but 230 horsepower with an optional performance pack. Zero to 100km/h times are 6.5 seconds in the standard car, and 6.4 with the upgrade. A six-speed manual or dual clutch semi-automatic will be available. The popular Jackie Stewart plaid seats remain, as does the leather option.

Also promising is a diesel version of the GTI, called the GTD. It gets a 184-horsepower turbo four-cylinder with 280 lb.-ft. of torque that will return and astonishing 4.2L/100km with the six-speed manual and 4.6 L/100 km with the DSG transmission. Volkswagen isn’t saying this car will absolutely come to Canada, but it is not saying no either, preferring to first gauge the level of interest in the U.S., which it needs to support the model should it ever come here. VW says the chances are 50/50 right now but looking better all the time.

The new diesel model we will get for sure is the Golf Wagon, which gets a longer wheelbase that creates more rear-seat legroom and cargo volume of 1,620 litres. Two new direct-injection engines will be offered when the car arrives next spring — a 1.8L turbo 4 cylinder and the 2.0L TDI (diesel) with fuel consumption in the 4 to 5L/100km range. Keeping the attractive lines of the Golf in the front, the wagon gets a distinctive D-pillar and attractive rear tail-lamps. The silhouette of the new wagon looks longer without the awkward behind of older models. Like the new Golf, the interior is significantly revised and feels plenty upscale with a driving position that can be perfectly set. Visibility seems excellent.

Volkswagen also revealed an R-Line Concept, following on the theme of the frequently sold-out Golf R. The wagon would get 4Motion AWD and more horsepower than the current 256 hp in the Golf R. Riding on 18-inch wheels, the R-Line Concept wagon is easily the sexiest Golf wagon ever. VW says such a car “could” be possible for Canada with a price below $40,000.